ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerful medications following unreliable video call tests at private clinics as an BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was carried out after tip-offs and dozens of patients and whistleblowers have been spoken to.
Many people are forced to pay for private assessments because of the NHS waiting list. But does it work?
Why do I need a private diagnosis?
If you think you or someone you know has ADHD It's essential to find a specialist who can assess your condition and provide you with the appropriate treatment. Although many people opt to go with the NHS, a private diagnosis can often be more effective and save you time and money in the long run.
There are some concerns about the capacity of the NHS to meet the current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for weeks or months for an appointment. This can be very stressful for those affected. Many people feel that the NHS assessment services aren't as efficient as they could be.
In the face of these issues it's not surprising that more adults are choosing to go for a private assessment. However the BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about the standard of care offered by certain private clinics. The undercover programme reported that some clinics were rushing through tests over the phone, and were telling patients they had ADHD when, in reality they didn't.
A private examination will typically start with a series of screening questionnaires you must fill out and submit to the doctor. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. The results will help the clinician decide whether or not you should attend an appointment for a full diagnosis.
The doctor will then review your medical background and family history as well as the effects of ADHD symptoms on your daily life. They will also conduct a physical examination and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD in light of your circumstances and given a treatment plan.
After you've been diagnosed with ADHD, the clinician will send a letter to your GP with paperwork for a'shared-care agreement'. This permits you to continue to receive NHS medication, while only paying the NHS prescription fee. You can also visit your private clinician to keep up with appointments and receive CBT therapy, should it be needed.
What happens if I don't have a diagnosis?
A correct diagnosis and the appropriate treatment can make a big difference in the case of ADHD. The NHS can be slow and frustrating when it comes down to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults are unable to endure this long and go to private specialists for their assessment. This can save time and frustration but it's important to realize that this isn't a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.
A specialist who has experience diagnosing ADHD can give an extensive evaluation than a psychiatrist on the NHS. This could include a medical examination and tests such as hearing or vision. It will also include checklists and questionnaires. The person conducting the test will also inquire about your family background and social and medical history as well as asking about your symptoms. They might also employ standardized ADHD rating scales and may be able to inquire from your caregivers or teachers for ratings, too.
When evaluating adult ADHD Healthcare professionals will be looking for five or more signs over a period of 6 months that are serious enough to disrupt work or home life. They will also check if these symptoms are a result of other mental disorders. Depression and anxiety, for example can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also review your social and professional history to rule out potential issues such as financial hardships and abuse histories as well as alcohol and drug abuse.
During your NHS assessment, you will be told by a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional if you don't meet the criteria for ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you may request a second assessment if you are not satisfied with their decision.
If you have a private diagnosis of ADHD can decide to share the diagnosis with their GP and the GP can then refer them to shared management under the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD can get medications in this manner. Some GPs are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medications because they don't specialize in the condition or because it's expensive.
What happens if I don't agree with my diagnosis?
It is important to remember that your clinician should be respectful and empathetic to your feelings and concerns. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD can cause serious problems for families and individuals. If your doctor isn't satisfied with the diagnosis, he or she may be able suggest other diagnoses and treatments that are more suitable for you.
If your clinician decides that you don't meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis and they provide the reasons for this. It may be due to the fact that you didn't provide enough information about your struggles or they believe that another condition is responsible for your behavior (symptoms) more effectively than ADHD. If adhd diagnosis uk adults are not happy with the outcome you may seek an additional opinion from a different physician or take your case to the NHS complaints procedure.
No matter if you opt for private or access NHS care, the wait time for an appointment can be lengthy and it's worth considering the possibility that your physician may find the process difficult. The NHS is overstretched and this is not the fault of the individuals involved.
GPs are trying to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must ensure they provide a solid, fair and safe service, and that they are in compliance with the requirements of the GMC for sharing care prescribing.
Panorama's exposé has revealed that private clinics use quick diagnostic techniques, which could put patients at risk. This is a national scourge and a compelling reason to consider alternatives.
It is important to remember that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with ADHD can make it harder for certain people to be given a diagnosis. This is especially true when the person is a member of a minority group or was a female at birth, or has other health or social issues which can affect how medical professionals view their symptoms.
If you're suffering from untreated ADHD symptoms and feel your life is being negatively impacted, we're here to assist. Our clinicians have experience in diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide assistance and treatment for your difficulties. Contact us today or make an appointment online to learn what we can do to help.
What is the next step if I don't wish to take medication?
You can get a diagnosis when you're concerned about ADHD symptoms but don't want to take medication. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request an appointment from your doctor to be assessed at one of the centers for specialists in England, or through the 'Right To Choose option which is faster.
Your appointment will consist of an online questionnaire, a clinic interview, and some validated assessments. This will allow your doctor to know how these symptoms affect you and how they impact on your daily routine. The clinician will consider your experiences in the past and your family history. It is important that you provide truthful and accurate information.
If the clinician finds that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they will be capable of providing you with an diagnosis. You will also be asked if you would like to discuss the possibility of using medication. Before making a decision, it is important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of using any medication. The effects of a medication last for a long time, and they can have serious side effects in the event of a misjudgment.
The psychiatrist will provide you with an appointment and a treatment plan should you choose to take a medication. You could be prescribed ADHD medication for a lengthy period of time, depending on the severity of your symptoms and the length of time you've been suffering from these symptoms for. It is also important to keep in mind that there are other methods that are not pharmacological to treat ADHD symptoms. These include exercise, diet, and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has sparked a lot of debate, particularly because it suggests that people are misdiagnosed due to inadequate assessment of their clinical needs. We are reticent to say that this doesn't happen because we are inexact and psychiatry is only a flimsy science. However, if you're experiencing ADHD symptoms and are being disappointed by the NHS wait times, it can make sense to take out an assessment with a private practitioner.